Merkley’s giving his victory speech. He went right on the attack.

On Gordon Smith:
“He’s been a rubber stamp for the Bush admisintration. People in Oregon are ready for change.”

“I think it’s time for a senator that understands the struggles of working men and women. It’s time for a senator that’s in touch with Oregonians. Oregon deserves a senator that will help end the war in Iraq. Oregon deserves a senator that will protect a woman’s right to choose. We will elect a senator that will fight for change.”

“I want to thank Steve Novick and Candy Neville, and the other fine democrats that ran in this race.”

“Steve is an enormous talent in this state and he’s fought on the right side of the issues. Candy brought passion and brought a voice saying ‘We must end this war.’”

“This race has definitely made me a better candidate. When we beat Gordon Smith in November, Steve and Candy will deserve a lot of credit.”

“I’ve never lost a race when carrying the lucky pen Jonathan (his young son) gave me.”

A festive Merkley camp has just left the stage and David Bowie’s “Changes” plays overhead. Yup, Merkley is the change candidate. Get used to it!

No one’s in a rush to leave here. Not with that buffet still going strong.